title: Perceived demands during modern military operations.
abstract: Using a cross-sectional design, this study explored operational demands during the International Security Assistance Force for Afghanistan (2009-2010) across distinct military units. A total of 1,413 Dutch soldiers, nested within four types of units (i.e., combat, combat support, service support, and command support units) filled out a 23-item self-survey in which they were asked to evaluate the extent to which they experienced operational characteristics as demanding. Exploratory factor analysis identified six underlying dimensions of demands. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that distinct units are characterized by their own unique constellation of perceived demands, even after controlling for previous deployment experience. Most notable findings were found when comparing combat units to other types of units. These insights can be used to better prepare different types of military units for deployment, and support them in the specific demands they face during deployment.
authors.affiliation: Research Group Organizational and Occupational Psychology and Professional Learning University of Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sylvie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Boermans
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kamphuis
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kamhuis
authors.forename: Roos
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Delahaij
authors.forename: J E Hans
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Korteling
authors.forename: Martin C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Euwema
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D009426:Netherlands; D009790:Occupations; D005082:Physical Exertion; D014857:Warfare; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology*; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult